IAF PR Officer Jason Paul Benell appeared on WHO 13 to give the atheist perspective on the declining numbers of believers in the United States, particularly in Iowa, and particularly in the Catholic Church. Jason pointed out that groups like Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers are key in providing a safe place for people to question their faith and find camaraderie without the need for superstition. We also touched on the reasons people were leaving the Church: they weren’t finding the values in sync with their own, the constant need for money and support from its members, the scandals and general problems within the church, and simply not finding the stories true or relevant anymore. Hopefully IAF being a part of the story will lead to more exposure for more Iowans to come out of the closet (and the pew) and embracing rationalism, freethinking, and science over old superstitious institutions like the church!

Date

Date

Thursday, 14 Jul 2016 7:00 PM

The IAF Book Discussion Group is an ongoing effort to provide interesting intellectual conversations for members of IAF and other interested parties on texts and topics relevant to the Secular perspective.

For this session the group will discuss the entirety of the text “RUTHLESS: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige and Me” by Ron Miscavige.

The reading assignment for this session will cover the whole book.* Be prepared, if possible, to present things from the reading assignment that stood out for you so that we can gain a good cross-section of individual perspectives where the reading is concerned.

*After evaluation of the text, it was decided that there wasn’t enough to the book to warrant two sessions. As such, we will be moving on to something else in August.

The conference room that has been reserved at Kirkendall Public Library has a maximum capacity of 20 so RSVP early to get a seat. Social time will be available from 6:30 to 7 PM if you want to come and just chat before the discussion begins. We’ll see you there. 🙂

*NOTE* Refreshments will no longer be provided gratis. If you require anything for drinking or snacking, you will have to bring it yourself.

You can read about the book on the publisher’s Website by following thisLINK</a>. or by going to the Wikipedia page for the title <a href=”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthless:_Scientology,_My_Son_David_Miscavige,_and_Me”>HERE.

If you prefer, though, here is a brief synopsis of the title from the same site –

“The only book to examine the origins of Scientology’s current leader, RUTHLESS tells the revealing story of David Miscavige’s childhood and his path to the head seat of the Church of Scientology told through the eyes of his father. Ron Miscavige’s personal, heartfelt story is a riveting insider’s look at life within the world of Scientology.“

Date

Sunday, 12 Jun 2016 11:30 AM

Everyone does their parade setup in the parking lot of the Lucas Building (across the street to the east of the State Capitol). It is generally smart to park in another lot because the Lucas lot will probably be filled with parade units forming and floats getting decorated. It will be a high energy and fun place and we look forward to seeing you there. No candy throwing this year, but we do have beads to hand to parade watchers.

Date

Sunday, 14 Aug 2016 11:00 AM

This is our regular, weekly, Meetup. Please come and join us for an interesting discussion on a variety of issues.

Note regarding the 2016 IAF School Supply Drive: This will be the last regularly scheduled Meetup before the deadline for donations on August 17. If you do not have Paypal and/or prefer to use cash or check please attend this meeting! You may provide your donation to any Board member present. Thanks for your support!

Date

Date

Saturday, 28 May 2016 6:00 AM

Please come out and help the IAF set up and run an informational booth at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market.

We will need volunteers to work from 6:15 a.m. to shortly after noon. Duties will include set up, tear down, and talking to curious members of the public. PLEASE do RSVP and if possible indicate what time you’re available.

Date

Monday, 30 May 2016 12:00 PM

IAF has reserved the beach shelter at Lake Ahquabi for a Memorial Day picnic. We have met out there before and have always had a great time. This is a family-and-friend-welcome event. Please feel free to bring guests of any age.

Please bring something to grill, drinks, and a dish to share as well as games or activities. The beach will be open for swimming and the boat rental facilities will be open all day. IAF will provide plates, cups, napkins and utensils. We will need a few additional grills, if people are able to bring them.

Date

Saturday, 02 Jul 2016 6:00 AM

Please come out and help the IAF set up and run an informational booth at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market.

We will need volunteers to work from 6:15 a.m. to shortly after noon. Duties will include set up, tear down, and talking to curious members of the public. PLEASE do RSVP and if possible indicate what time you’re available.